Digimaster, a digital printing enterprise in Johannesburg, has become the first company in South Africa to install the Encad VinylJet 36 vinyl inkjet printer. The company was formed two years ago specifically to handle small volume digital printing and poster production. Recently, some of its larger clients have required the production of vinyl decals and Digimaster realised that the cost and turnaround time of these was too great. With the VinylJet 36 production can be handled quicker and more cost-effectively.

The printer features AquaVinyl technology, which uses a unique curing system with water-based inks to produce UV-durable, water-resistant images on both uncoated and untreated vinyl. The AquaVinyl technology has 85% fewer volatile organic compounds than solvent-based inks, meaning that it can be operated without special ventilation.

The printer features four different preset modes from 2,1 up to 5,1 square metres per hour. It is driven by Flexi-Banner RIP or PhotoPrint DX that provide users with the ability to create full banner and design capabilities, as well as out-of-the-box printing capabilities. The 36 also includes ICC colour profiles for the most popular media.

Said company member, Louise Niemann, "While we realised the need for a machine like the VinylJet we did not know of its existence. When Eric Morgan of First Graphics told us about it, we soon agreed that this was the machine for us. This is our second Encad inkjet printer and we are very satisfied with both."

For further information contact First Graphics, 011 799 3800, www.firstgraphics.co.za